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Davao City News December 2015

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Davao City - Archived News
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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Entrance to Davao City
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Nat'l Hwy Through Davao City
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Mangrove forests are critical for the stability of coastal areas and the sustainability of fish and marine resources which provide food and livelihood to people in more than 800 coastal towns in the Philippines. USAID, through the Philippine Environmental Governance Project, assisted the local government (Davao City) in establishing, through a local ordinance, the mangrove area as a marine protected area.
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USAID, through the Philippine Environmental Governance Project, assisted the local government (Davao City) in establishing, through a local ordinance, the mangrove area as a marine protected area. A crucial part in effective coastal resources management is law enforcement with Bantay Dagat teams playing a crucial role by safeguarding local waters. In Davao City Philippines, Bantay Dagat members protect mangrove areas from illegal cutting, thus conserving areas for fisheries and marine biodiversity habitats.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Bahay Pag-asa expansion eyed

(KVC)

THE City Social Services and Development Office is now eyeing to expand the BahayPag-asa on 2016 after the shelter has been congested with Children in Conflict with Law housed at the center.

“Gina-hope nato ang possible extension of one building for the CICL kay congested nasila. Sixty-five na ang naa didto karon. Ang building supposed to be maka-accommodate lang og 30 sa activity area maghuot na so dapat naay isa ka activity area (We are hoping for the possible extension of one building for the CICL because they are already congested in the area. The building supposed to be can accommodate only 30 that is why in the activity area do really get congested, that is why another activity area should be built),” Assistant CSSDO Head Liwayway Caligdong said.

She added that they are also hopeful that this year 2016 they can build home for the special children.

“Hopefully among gina-aim kay kadtong home sa atong special children, na unta separate per category kay old building lang man gud ang atong ginagamit karon na gimana namo sa Department of Social Welfare and Development Program (DSWD) (We hopefully aim that we can build home for the special children and that there will be separated per category because the old building we use as of the moment is one we inherited from DSWD),” Caligdong said.

She said that they are currently searching where they can get funds for the project.

For the year 2015, Caligdong said that they are happy that they were able to finish the 10 million worth of Balay Dangupan Building which is a home for the physically and sexually abused women.

DTI Davao: 2015 is better

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao Region concluded that 2015 is a better year for the agency's market-monitoring implementation even as the agency noted a zero violation, particularly on consumer protection policies during the Christmas season.

Rachel S. Remitio, DTI Davao chief of Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division in an interview with Sun.Star Davao, said that this can be attributed to the strict "implementation of our programs and the monitoring activities and the retailers’ cooperation."

“As far as the monitoring is concerned, none so far is recorded, no violation in Davao Region and we are positive to sustain this until the Yuletide season ends,” Remitio said on Tuesday.

“We attribute this zero-violation record to our strict monitoring operations and massive information dissemination which enable establishments to be well-aware of the different fair trade laws,” she added.

Remitio also said that it is not only the trade and industry department who is checking the prices of goods and Noche Buena items and products such as Christmas lights but consumers are now critically aware and more vigilant, so if they see violations consumers report these to DTI.

“It will also be bad for the retailer’s image and they can’t expect to operate profitably if they will be branded as violators. Hopefully, we have imbibed that in the minds of our retailers,” Remitio said.

Unlike this year, the monitoring team in Davao region recorded three violators in the province.

DTI Davao has a total of five monitoring teams roaming around and checking the region. Each provincial office has one monitoring team composed of at least three to five members per team.

The SRP for noche buena products which was released by DTI early of November is meant to serve as a guide for consumers in their purchases during the holiday season on whether the goods sold are overpriced or above the profit margin.

“As mandated under the Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act as amended, these SRP’s will also serve as warning to retailers that they should sell products within the set price ceilings,” Remitio said.

SRP issued by the DTI applies to supermarkets and wet markets nationwide.

Retailers found selling above the SRPs will be asked to explain and show the cost of acquisition. If found profiteering, the manufacturer or distributor would be penalized pursuant to Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.

Furthermore, manufacturers, importers and retailers found not complying with the BPS Product Certification Scheme will be filed with administrative charges for violation of the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2:2007; Republic Act (RA) 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and RA 4109 or the Standards Law.

DTI is encouraging the public to report and complain retailers, manufacturers, and importers violating consumers’ welfare and rights, which implementation of just prices but also safe and standard products for the consumers.

Eaga summit expected to draw 200 delegates

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

SOME 200 delegates from across Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) are expected to join the 12th BIMP-Eaga Summit next year slated last week of January 2016, to be hosted by Davao City.

Romeo Montenegro, Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) director for investment promotions and public affairs told reporters that the hosting of Davao City to the summit is crucial as it will be the finalization of the BIMP-Eaga Vision 2025 blueprint.

“The blueprint of BIMP-Eaga 2025 will jive with Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together roadmap that is what we wanted to pursue, to lay laydown strategic way forward of projects, programs, activities jiving in the directions also of the Asean,” he said.

He explained that the Bimp-Eaga 2025 will be a successor document of the BIMP-Eaga 2016.

“It will serve as the successor document to the Implementation Blueprint 2012-2016," Montenegro said adding that the blueprint will still be anchored on the BIMP-Eaga pillars including tourism, agribusiness, connectivity, environment, education as well as socio- cultural, among other sectors.

The venue of the summit is yet to be finalized. Montenegro also added that most probably those to be included in the successor document are those projects that were unable to be carried in the previous blueprint.

The BIMP-Eaga 2025 is eyed to attain a resilient, inclusive, sustainable and economically competitive sub-region within BIMP-Eaga while recognizing the sub-region's strategic role in the Asean community encouraging greater synergy between the regional and sub regional's sectoral bodies.

In a recent 19th BIMP-Eaga ministerial meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, last December 10, ministers from the member countries said in a joint statement emphasizing that the ministers urged all BIMP-Eaga stakeholders, especially the private sector and the local governments, to share their views, inputs and projects that will generate economic growth and development in the sub-region.

"We welcome the formulation of the BIMP-Eaga Vision 2025 to develop a resilient, inclusive, sustainable and economically competitive sub-region. We endorse the guiding framework for BIMP-Eaga Vision 2025 and direct our senior officials to finalize it in time for the 12th BIMP-Eaga Summit," read the statement signed by six ministers, three representing Malaysia and one each from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Davao Light underground cabling completed soon

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

THE P108-million underground utility cables system project led by the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) and the City Government of Davao is set to be finished on time before the year ends, an official said.

This, according to Arturo M. Milan, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of DLPC saying no delay is projected as to the project’s completion target set by December of this year.

“We are actually near completion with the project and we are positive that we will finish everything before the year ends,” he said.

He added that the Davao City Wires and Cable (WAC) technical team started the burying of the electrical and communication wires between City Hall and the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) building last April of this year.

WAC is a multi-sectoral group composed of government officials and representatives of affected private companies that will oversee the city-wide underground cable project.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Davao City Water District (DCWD), PLDT-SMART, Globe Telecom, DC Tech, Sky Cable, Abratique and Associates, and BayanTel, and among other cable companies’ lines are affected by the cabling system.

The pilot area of the project will be the City Hall and the SP Building complex.

The project is initiated in a bid to get rid of the messy and tangled overhead wires in the city’s skyline view.

It is eyed to bolster the image of the city as internationally competitive, tourist and investment-attractive with a sustained and enhanced environment. DLPC initiated the excavation, allocating more than P70 million for the underground cabling.

In January of this year, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 2 series of 2015 constituting the WAC technical team based on Ordinance No. 0177 - 14 series of 2014 which states that “all electrical and telecommunication wires and cables within the vicinity of City Hall and the City Council will be placed underground.”

Meanwhile, DLPC’s other projects in the city are the new substation in the southern part of the city worth, a P46.39 million 69-kilovolt (kV) circuit breaker and larger 69-kV circuit breaker at P108.836 million. (ASP)

One-stop shop for motorcycles set at LTO

(KVC)

DAVAO City Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte said that a one-stop shop on licensing, registration of vehicles, and lecture on proper handling of motorcycle is set to be done jointly by the committee on health and the Land Transportation Office.

Villafuerte, chair of the committee on health of the City Council, said that the LTO already agreed on having this one-stop shop.

“So tatlo yun: motorcycle training course, licensing and registration. Sa labas may emission and we will invite insurance agencies... we are doing that jointly with the LTO,” Villafuerte also said that the she will propose an enabling law that will allow motorcycle training course to be mandatorily implemented within the city.

Villafuerte previously passed a resolution urging the LTO to offer motorcycle user training course for free after surgeons from Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and San Pedro Hospital (SPH) reached out to her noting the increasing number of motorcycle-accident related injuries brought for medication in the two different hospitals.

Photo exhibit starts off 'Summer in December'

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

AS PART of its early promotion activities for the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS) 2016, the regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with Fujifilm, M Magazine, and Park Inn by Radisson Davao launched on Tuesday the “Summer in December”, a photo exhibit showcasing Davao Region’s top tourist attractions.

Lisette Marques, Davao City Tourism Operations officer in an interview with Sun.Star Davao at the sidelines of the exhibit’s ribbon cutting ceremony, said that this initiative is to early introduce destinations that are included in VDFS.

“This is just one of the roadshows that we will have to promote VDFS, we still have several pre-VDFS activities like the one for the Asean Tourism forum in Mall of Asia this coming January, and Philippine Travel and Tour expo on February,” Marques said, adding that DOT has set series of activities for the “regional promotions to help boost the tourist influx in the region.”

She added that for next year’s VDFS, it is more inclusive as several parts of the regions will be included.

The exhibit featuring 27 select images of adventure attractions and beach holiday destinations of Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, and Davao Provinces will run until January 2, 2016 at the Park Inn’s lobby area.

“This exhibit will give early awareness of guests, visitors and tourists that may be interested in VDFS that will start from March 26 to May 31,” she said.

Among the photos exhibited are portraits and landscapes of the adventure attractions and outdoor activities like sky swing, zip lines, spelunking, diving, white water rafting, and mountain climbing, among others.

Davao farmers to benefit from cacao enterprise project

(PNA), LAP/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/LDP

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 22 (PNA) -- Some 495 cacao farmers will benefit from an enterprise project set to be implemented by the Subasta Integrated Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIFMPC) on cacao production and marketing.

The project called Cacao Production and Marketing of Dry-Fermented Beans of Davao City is under the care of SIFMPC as the lead proponent group through a cluster-type operation covering Barangays Marilog, Baguio, Calinan and Tugbok district.

According of Jay Rosas of Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) Mindanao, the SIFMPC will act as the main consolidator of 15 cooperatives. The PRDP has approved some P26 million in support to the cacao production in the city.

The National Project Coordination Office of PRDP has issued a No Objection Letter (NOL) last December 9 which signals the start of the implementation, he said.

In a press statement, PDRP national deputy project director Arnel De Mesa said they are hoping to jump start the first cacao production enterprise project of PRDP with the approval of the business plan of the SIFMPOC.

The project is lodged under PRDP’s Investments for Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Productivity or I-REAP component, which will strengthen existing marketing arrangements between SIFMPC and buyers like Coco Dolce and Filipinas Oro de Cacao for the local market and Askinosie for the export market.

De Mesa added that the lead proponent group was able to comply with the requirements of the Project including the proposed enhancements to the business plan that aims to focus more on giving support to production for cacao farmers.

“PRDP’s main intervention is to provide support to production that will lessen the cacao farmer’s dependency to traders and consequently enhance their income,” he said.

PRDP will also assist in providing postharvest facilities to ensure that the cacao production quality meets the required market standard and increase SIFMPC’s production of dried fermented beans from the current average of 43 metric tons to 193 metric tons for the first year of implementation.

In the Philippines, cacao bean production was at 4,831 metric tons as of 2013, with Mindanao accounting for 90 percent. The top five cacao producing provinces in Mindanao are in Davao Region based on BAS data, with Davao del Sur in the lead.

Enterprise development sub-projects will be supported by infrastructure like farm-to-market roads. Recently, the PRDP regional project advisory board (RPAB) approved around P432-million worth of infrastructure projects that support cacao production in the region.

Davao's water project to start in July 2016

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

PROPONENTS of the P10-billion Davao City Tamugan Bulk Water Supply Project have remained optimistic they can start the construction of the project by July 2016 and meet its target completion in 2019.

The proponents are optimistic on the realization of the project after the City Council passed an amendment on the prohibited acts of the city's Watershed Management Code.

The project is a proposed by Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (AAII), a joint venture between Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and JV Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC) that will manage the construction and operation of the project and Davao City Water District (DCWD) as the distributor to the consumers.

“At present, there is no delay yet as to the project timeline, we hope to start the permitting process by January 2016 once approved. We hope to start construction by the middle of next year, maybe July because it is scheduled for completion by 2019,” Manuel M. Orig, Aboitiz Power Corp. first vice president for Mindanao Affairs, said.

In the previous report, amendments on Watershed Management Code now allows the construction or maintenance of any kind of structure fencing or closing and construction of any business enterprise near a watershed; provided, however, that any construction shall be allowed only with the prior approval and concurrence of the City Council, and upon proof that the said structure, fence or enclosure shall be beneficial to the watershed areas.

The joint committee report from the committees on environment and energy in the previous session showed positive recommendation on the amendment, and it was forwarded to the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances last December 7.

Orig said that after they heard that the Council approved the amendment they are now more positive in the realization of the project.

He, however, said that as to the approval of the bulk water project itself and their application of exemption on the “no construction of business enterprise in the conservation area,” things are still yet to be approved.

“As to our application for exemption, it was still not approved; because for the Council, to make actions towards it, the amendment still needs to be signed by the mayor. So we are waiting for the approval of the mayor before Council can proceed to the next step, which is to look on the two things that we are waiting and applying,” Orig said.

The project, the first-of-its-kind in the city to use surface water, will supply up to 300 million liters per day (MLD) to DCWD.

The bulk water supply will be sourced from Tamugan River, and then will be fed to a hydroelectric-powered water treatment plant. It will operate separately from the Mindanao power grid and the city's power distributor Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC).

"We are tapping the Tamugan River for the project because of its sufficient flow of good raw water quality," Orig said.

Engineer Ronal Muñoz, representative of DCWD, earlier said that the river is the most feasible source of the project because of its enough quantity, acceptable quality and sustainability as potable water.

Developing the cacao industry

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

SOURCING cacao beans from farmers in Davao region, Aloha Organic Garden takes part in attaining inclusive growth as it ventures into producing cacao by-products this year.

“This is part of our efforts in pushing Philippines to land a spot in the world cacao map and agriculture scene, significantly positioning Davao Region as the cacao capital in the country, of course recognizing the vital role of the farmers, who deserves most of the appreciation,” Francis “Koko” Sajulga of Aloha Organic Garden said.

Aloha, an organic garden, is known as one of the prime movers of organic farming in the region. It offers a wide array of culinary herbs that come in packs and potted plants. These are tarragon, rosemary, hybrid basils, turmeric, peppermint, spearmint, and cilantro, among others.

"We saw the bright prospects there is in the cacao industry prompting us to venture in cacao and add its by-products to the various products we are presently offering," Sajulga said.

Expanding its product offerings, Aloha Organic Garden now initially offers pure Davao cacao, stone ground and organic, homemade tablea, chocolates, and other cacao by-products.

Sajulga said that they sourced cacao beans from Davao cacao farmers’ and processed it to quality cacao by-products which are sold upon orders.

"We ensure that we buy it in a premium price from the farmers planting pure cacao, since we cannot plant yet cacao in our farm we still decided to be a cacao player through processing the beans into products that are of quality and standards," he added.

He said they are sourcing cacao beans where an international chocolate-maker is also getting.

"With the food trial we just recently conducted last week most of the costumers commented that our chocolates has a high-grade exotic taste," Sajulga said.

With the launching of Aloha's cacao products just this last quarter of this year, the owner said that its chocolate could also be perfect presents for this Yuletide season.

Aloha's pure cacao, organic and home-made 25-gram tablea is available at P15 which can already serve about two cups while its fine chocolates are P350 per kilo.

"At present, we only have limited supply so our focus now really is to make sure that we source only7 quality cacao beans and we are very confident that cacao here in the region is one of the best in the country if not in the world. We will really put our eyes and efforts into producing quality cacao by-products," Sajulga said.

He is bullish that someday, his cacao products will soon land a spot in the global market and will magnet recognitions worldwide, which he believes to be possible.

Another expansion plans laid out for the organic garden is its coffee, Sajulga shared that by next year they will venture and soon become coffee players in the industry.

Aloha Organic Garden located in Mahayag in Bunawan, Davao City.

Davao airport is PHL’s third aerodrome --CAAP

By Azer N. Parrocha [(PNA), SCS/ANP]

MANILA, Dec. 20 (PNA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has declared the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (BIA) in Davao City as the first CAAP-managed airport to be certified as an aerodrome.

This was confirmed by CAAP Area 11 Manager Efren Nieves Nagrama during the launch of Cebu Pacific’s new direct flight between Davao and Singapore at the BIA on Dec. 17.

“CAAP confirmed that (the BIA) will be the first airport under CAAP management to be certified as an aerodrome,” Nagrama said during the launch.

“We are the next airport after the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport that is compliant in international standards when it comes to safety,” he added.

Nagrama pointed out that being certified as an aerodrome meant that the Davao airport has passed international standards as certified by the CAAP Aerodrome Development and Management Service (ADMS).

The ADMS identifies the current and future requirements of each airport in the National Airport System and prepares corresponding budgetary costing for airport maintenance and development.

It also recommends priority projects for airport maintenance and development and initiates the conduct of Master Planning Study in order to determine the medium and long term airport requirements including the identification of new airport development.

The airport official explained that the BIA received the certification after it got an over 80 percent grade of the required standards.

“We got a passing grade of more than 80 percent in compliance. It was committed to me this afternoon (Thursday, Dec. 17),” Nagaram told reporters, adding that BIA applied for the certification this month.

He said that the certification will be issued before the end of the year or early next year.

'Glamping' on Mt. Apo

By Christine Joice C. Cudis

IN A bid to increase economic activities in local government units surrounding Mt. Apo, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 ha endorsed glamorous camping or "glamping" as one of its main attraction for the year 2016.

Kidapawan City, Makilala, Magpet, Digos City, Sta. Cruz, and Bansalan considered "glamping" as the newest activity offered to climbers that will surely benefit residents in these areas.

Sta. Cruz tourism officer Julius Paner told Sun.Star Davao in an interview yesterday, "glamping will employ more manpower in our communities."

The activity which is usually requested by the climbers who belong in the higher segment of the market is open for the whole year.

It will provide a totally different experience from ordinary mountain climbing for the guests will only need to walk their way up to the top of the country's highest peak.

"There will be people assigned to cook for their food and everything that they are going to need," Paner added.

Every climber will also have their own porter and guide for the three-day activity.

Including permits from the LGU, porter and guide's fee, tent, sleeping bag, food, and camping stove, it will only cost one to pay between P7,000-P10,000.

While a group of ten people will have to pay around P50,000 to P60,000.

"Glamping" on Mt. Apo is only one of the tour developments of the DOT for 2016. Food tours, bar tours, and the opening of Mt. Hamiguitan eco-park are among the other activities to watch out for the next year.

Davao airport passes international standard

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

THE Francisco Bangoy International Airport passed international standards as certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) Aerodrome Development and Management Service (ADMS).

Efren Nieves Nagrama, Caap Area 11 manager, announced Wednesday during the launching of Cebu Pacific Air's new international direct flight Davao - Singapore that the certification will be issued before the year ends or early next year.

"This is a development in our bid to making our airport safe and efficient conforming to international civil aviation standards," he said.

Among the mandates of ADMS is to issue Aerodrome Rating Certificates to all airports including private airstrips and heliports based on its inspections and regular monitoring of all airports and their compliance with existing Standards and Regulations.

The international rating is issued to airports with safe, efficient, and international standard in flight standards, navigational aids, runway markings, safety and security procedures, among others.

Nagrama said Davao's airport exceeded 80 percent of the required standards, thus its certification.

"It is really a long process; slowly we have been complying with the requirements. As monitored by Caap's internal auditing bodies, whenever they have finding yun ang ina-address natin, and just this November we applied for the Aerodome certification and luckily we passed with the international standards," he said. "It is our commitment to strive hard in improving the facilities of Davao International Airport's."

The ADMS is the department mandated to "develop and maintain all national airports based on international standards, thereby providing the public with safe and convenient facilities."

It envisions to the best provider of technical expertise indispensable in the development and maintenance of airports.

ADMS functions to identify the current and future requirements of each airport in the National Airport System and prepares corresponding budgetary costing for airport maintenance and development.

It also recommends priority projects for airport maintenance and development and initiates the conduct of Master Planning Study in order to determine the medium and long term airport requirements including the identification of new airport development.

DA XI honors Gulayan sa Paaralan achievers

(PNA), RMA/LCM/CHERRY MAE D. PALICTE/LDP

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 15 (PNA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) XI- High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) hailed the successful “Gulayan sa Paaralan” (GPP) implementers in the region.

Four schools from the Davao Region were recognized as region’s best school garden implementer for 2015-2016: Don Ricardo Briz Central Elementary School and Tagum City National Comprehensive High School both from Davao del Norte won for Container Garden Category while Bala Elementary School of Davao del Sur and Manat National High School from Compostela Valley Province won for Field Garden respectively.

The four schools received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize worth Php 30,000.

For its fifth year, the Agri-Pinoy ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan Program’ (GPP) continues to expand vegetable garden projects in schools to address malnutrition so as to help school children to fight hunger and get better nutrition.

Initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI in collaboration with Department of Education (DepEd), the program aims to promote food production at school level and the community as well as lessen the hunger among schoolchildren.

Director Remelyn Recoter said the program helped address child malnutrition through a feeding program wherein fresh vegetables were harvested in the school garden.

“The program can uplift the nutritional status of the students. We can observe that children lacking proper nutrients have less energy, both physical and mental, hence are unable to fully participate in class,” Recoter stressed.

DAR-XI distributes P22M-worth of farm equipment to farmer-organizations

(DAR-XI/Divino C. Dalanon)

DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Agrarian Reform Region XI has turned over on Monday P22-million worth of farm machineries and equipment 29 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) from across the region.

Regional Director John M. Maruhom said the ARBOs are from Davao City, and from the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental.

The farm machineries and equipment were procured under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project thru the Department Of Budget and Management-Procurement Service (PS-DBM).

The equipment include: 22 light-duty shredders, two cultivators/power tillers and eight units four-wheel drive power tractors (one unit 120 HP, two units 90 HP and five units 35 HP).

Thorough inspection and test runs were conducted by government inspectors upon the delivery of these farm machineries and equipment to ensure that they conform to specifications and in good working condition.

The suppliers were likewise required to conduct orientation and training on proper operation and maintenance of this equipment for the recipient ARBOs.

The ARBOs’ actual need of these farm machineries and equipment were pre-determined and validated by a third-party state university which was commissioned for the purpose.

The ARCCESS project is DAR’s strategic intervention to retain the awarded lands of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) through increased production and engagement in agri-based and related enterprises.

It aims to strengthen the ARB organizations by building them as hubs of support services in the community which are expected to contribute to increasing ARB household incomes and improving resiliency of ARB households.

It has five major components, namely: 1) provision of common service facilities (CSFs) for production and processing, 2) agri-technology and agri-extension services, 3) business development services, 4) credit facilitation, and 5) land tenure improvement.

The formal turnover ceremony of the machineries and equipment was held on December 14, 2015 at the DAR Regional Office XI Compound in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City, and was attended by DAR XI officials and officers of the ARBO recipients.

Free toilet use for seniors, PWDs in Davao

By Karina V. Canedo

THE City Council of Davao passed on third and final reading last Monday an ordinance prohibiting all persons, entities and any business establishments in Davao City from charging any fee on senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) for the use of any restroom or comfort room.

The ordinance was initially proposed by Councilor Victorio U. Advincula, chairperson on Social Services, regarding the use of restrooms or toilets by the vulnerable sector such as the PWDs and senior citizens.

During the committee hearing dated July 24, 2015, there were no serious objections hence the committee gave positive recommendations for proposed resolution/ordinance.

The council passed the proposed ordinance on second reading last week.

Penalties and fines as indicated in the Section 4 of the ordinance shall take effect given that the ordinance is already passed.

A fine of P1,5000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 and revocation of the business permit will be imposed on a business establishment or any employee who will impose or require payment of any fee or charges to any senior citizen or PWD for the use of any comfort room, or restroom, toilet and the like.

In Section 4 of the new ordinance, an unjustifiable refusal to allow any Senior citizens and/or Persons with Disability by any business establishment or its employee to use any comfort room or restroom, toilet, and the like during regular business hours shall make the establishment liable.

Justifiable refusal only covers repairs and/or maintenance of facilities.

Also, penalties of P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second offense, and P3,000 for third offense will also be imposed on establishments who fail to place a clear and readable signage stating “Free of charge for use of comfort room for senior citizens and persons with disabilities” in the main entrance of the comfort room, toilet, or the like.

Davao City SMEs get boost

  • Source:www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2015/12/14/davao-city-smes-get-boost-447002
  • Monday, December 14, 2015
By Ace June Rell S. Perez

TO FURTHER boost the country's small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Globe Telecom, through its SME arm myBusiness, staged Monday its second "myBusiness Day" caravan at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City.

The caravan, which was launched in October of this year in Cauayan, Isabela, is a one day one-stop exhibit catering to existing and budding SMEs. It enables local entrepreneurs the chance to learn how to effectively run and manage not just a surviving but a thriving business in today's digital world and discover the best solutions responding to its business operations.

Barbie R. Dapul, vice president for marketing of Globe myBusiness, told reporters that pursuant to its vision to assist the development of SMEs considered as backbone of the economy, they are committed to serve as partners of the SMEs in the digital world.

"Digitalization, this is what most of our SMEs are scared of, that is why we are here to handhold and guide them in their journey to the digital world by providing solutions, products and services which are designed to improve their businesses' revenues, profit and extend their services," she said.

Dapul added that the advantage of myBusiness is that it can be customized according to the needs of the SMEs thereby addressing the unique needs of entrepreneurs in terms of expanding their business.

For his part, Albert De Larrazabal, Globe chief commercial officer, said that the caravan is staged to work with local government units in one common goal which is to help the SMEs.

“This is our core in myBusiness, to make this run nationwide to also render our services across the country and we chose Davao as one of our stops because it is considered as Asia’s fastest growing cities and largest economy in the Southern Philippines,” he said.

Globe myBusiness senior vice president, Martha Sazon also said that Globe continues to recognize the big contribution of SMEs to the economy.

“Our advocacy is to embrace digital and that is why we want to provide SMEs with affordable solutions that will help make their business successful, contribute to the local economy and provide jobs as well,” Sazon said.

For the Davao-leg, Globe my Business highlighted solutions such as Shopify, “a cloud-based, multichannel commerce platform designed for small and medium business which owners can use to design, set up and manage their stores across multiple sales channels,” and TxtConnect, a mechanism used to send out SMS blasts about important news and announcements, may it be company or personal anytime and anywhere with just a few clicks via TxtConnect portal and among others.

The event has a three-zone exhibit featuring the zones of cost-cutting, Biz opportunity and operation improvement.

The event also brought in competent speakers with topics geared to aspire entrepreneurs to develop their businesses namely Anthony Pangilinan, chairman of Businessworks, Inc (Do’s and Don’ts of Starting a Business), RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercado Centrale and Globe myBusiness ambassador (Challenges of business start-up) and Dan Ruiz, Globe myBusiness expert (How an SME can start its Digital Transformation).

From Davao to the world

(ALC)

A PREMIUM homegrown chocolate-maker is eyeing to become one of the major players in the chocolate industry in the Philippines in five years' time after winning two global awards this year.

This can be done by maintaining a good husbandry, sharing of good harvesting techniques, and increasing the production level of farmers who supply quality single-origin beans grown in the rich soil of Malagos, Baguio District in Davao City, according to Charita Puentespina, owner of the Puentespina Farm.

She said that the Malagos Chocolates has a requirement of 40 metric tons of cocoa beans a year, 20 percent of which are sourced from the farmers while the 80 percent come from the 25-hectare plantation at the Malagos Farm and Garden Resort.

The local chocolate company has already invaded global markets, namely: London, Japan, Singapore, and the United States, she said.

Puentespina said the interest for their chocolates has grown by several folds after clinching bronze for its 100 percent Pure Unsweetened Chocolate under the Best Unflavored Drinking Chocolate category at the 2015 Academy Chocolate Awards in London last April 2015 and silver for its 65 percent dark chocolate in the 2015 International Chocolate Awards' World Drinking Chocolate Competition in Hannover, Germany under the Dark Drinking Chocolate category, specifically drinks made with milk, last October.

"The interest now is high because of the awards, a lot of people are willing to buy our product. Our product, the dark chocolate, is the chocolate that is good for the health," she said. "We partner with the farmers who are willing to do quality fermentation, and follow the proper way of harvesting of cacao beans."

She added that they are continuously training the farmers on the good practices to educate them how to grow cacao trees that can yield more fruits.

The company partners with three cooperatives, each having around 100 farmers.

The Philippines' annual supply of cacao fall shorts by 40,000 MT, and these have to be sourced from neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.

Around 70 percent of the country's supply comes from the Davao Region, which has around 21,000 hectares planted to cacao. Among all cacao-producing areas, Davao City has the biggest share with 6,200 has. and Davao del Norte with 5,900 has.

World's leading candy firm Mars Choccolate challenged the Philippine cacao growers to hit 100,000 metric tons of roasted cacao beans by 2020, on the back of a growing global demand for this commodity.

CHR 11 opens child-friendly room in its office

By Joey Sem G. Dalumpines (PIA 11)

DAVAO CITY, Dec 11 (PIA) The Commission on Human Rights in Davao region formally inaugurated its child-friendly room in the time for the 67th Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day.

Atty. Irene Joy Montero, officer-in-charge of the CHR 11 underscored that this year’s celebration is focused on the more vulnerable sectors of the society, particularly, the children.

She said the children are given priority by the CHR, given emphasis with the setting up of Child Rights Center at the general headquarters in Manila and the putting up of Child-Friendly Space in every CHR office nationwide.

Montero said the opening up of a child-friendly room in their office manifests their interest to reach-out to the children.

“It will be used primarily whenever interviews are done involving children,” she said.

The room presents a more relaxed atmosphere especially for children.

Montero said the Human Rights Day celebration which is anchored on the theme, “ Karapatang Pangtao, Igalang, Ipagtanggol at Isakatuparan,” is not only a merriment but a manifestation of a pledge all over the world that every person is free with dignity and human rights.

She said that all government regardless of respective mandates have the aim to respect and to protect the human rights of an individual.

Montero said that the CHR also aims that every individual in the country lives through the culture of human rights.

She said human rights will be given only true importance and security if everyone including the children will join in respecting, protecting and realizing the rights of every person.

“We can only realize this pursuit if we unite and hold on to the ideals of freedoms, equality and respect for human dignity,” Montero said.

Railway system pushed in Davao City

By Antonio L. Colina IV

A RENOWNED urban planner Felino Palafox Jr., senior partner and founder of one of the country's biggest architectural firms Palafox Associates, is pushing for a railway transport system in Davao City that is seen to be the next urban center in the country.

In an interview with the Davao media at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao, he said that the city has a high "absorptive capacity" to accommodate big businesses who are expanding operations outside of Metro Manila.

He emphasized that the Davao's position as one of the premier urban centers of the country will put the city as a potential area for investments.

This means the city will experience an influx of investors who are looking for alternative areas to do business outside of the already congested Metro Manila, he said.

"We need to identify urban growth centers as counter magnets to the growth of Metro Manila. Davao has the highest development potential to absorb this future growth," he said.

He cited Tokyo, Japan as example of a progressive city with a good transit system.

"At least 80 percent of the population in Tokyo ride the train," he said.

"There are 20 kinds of transport system. Unfortunately, our transportation in the country is obsolete, it's still before the Opec oil crisis in 1973. The transport policy was more vehicles per lane per hour. After the OPEC oil crisis, more people more passengers per lane per hour, so it favors the higher capacity vehicle which is public transit," he said.

In an earlier interview with National Economic Development Authority (Neda) in Davao Region director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said there have been studies conducted on the railway system but another study has to be conducted yet again because there might have been changes in the requirements of the city and the Mindanao in an effort to increase the urban centers' competitiveness.

She also added that agency is planning to coordinate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) for a study that will include the city's traffic situation and its other development aspects.

Palafox said that an increase in the population should be expected in the city because it has a high absorptive capacity that will receive more developments that the Metro Manila can no longer cater to.

"Davao is three times the size of Singapore, Davao has a good example of good governance and leadership. I am supporting federal form of government to balance the growth. For me, development is not worthy by name unless spread evenly like butter on a piece of bread," he added.

He urged the government to identify more growth centers to maintain the balance of growth and development across the country.

"It's really identifying growth centers as counter magnets to the attractiveness of Metro Manila as the center of government, education, religion, culture, business, trade and commerce," he said.

If a strong quake, or what is known as the "Big One" with a 7.2 magnitude, hits the Metro Manila, it will take 10 years for the Philippine's capital to recover.

Davao City validated anew for child-friendly feat

(PNA), LAP/LCM/CARMELA C. DURON/LDP

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 10 (PNA) -- The national validation team for the 2015 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities are currently in town to review programs and initiatives of the city in delivering responsive interventions in the promotion and protection of children’s rights and welfare.

Representing DSWD National Office, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council and Council for the Welfare of Children, the validating team will be here until Friday, December 11.

The team conducted a table validation of documents as well as focus group discussions with key city officials. The group also visited four barangays which they picked randomly last Monday and conducted on-site validation of local children-centered policies, activities and facilities.

In 2013 and 2014, Davao City was named Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines under the Highly Urbanized Category.

This year, Davao City is competing with Baguio, Mandaluyong and Bacolod cities. If Davao wins and surpasses it scores in the last two years, it shall be conferred the "Hall of Fame Award".

LGUs shortlisted as national finalists should have passed the Mandatory Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit led by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Upon approval of the Board of the Council for Welfare of Children, same LGUs are then conferred with the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance. Only four LGUs with the highest scores will qualify as national finalists for the presidential award.

“Our victory depends on us and on no one else, on the hard work that we have done. All the awards are nothing if we fail to give the children all they need. We have worked hard and long especially CSSDO (City Social Services and Development Office) led by Ma. Luisa Bermudo. The validation team is here to confirm our reports and the actual situation on the ground,” said City Administrator Atty. Jesus Melchor Quitain Jr. who represented Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the Opening Conference on Monday at Ritz Hotel.

Owwa Davao holds training for program management

(ICT)

THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) in Davao Region underscored the need for its partners and service providers to be equipped with the tools and basic concepts of monitoring and evaluation to guarantee the effective program implementation and management to ensure that programs reach fruition.

Owwa Davao Director Eduardo E. Bellido said in line with their capability building program, the region has conducted recently training on “Developing Project Monitoring and Evaluation Tools for Effective Program Management” at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City to discuss and practice their concerns.

Among their partners and service providers who attended the three-day training are their program holders, Public Employment Service Office (Peso) managers, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Help Desk Coordinators and the OFW Family Circle representatives from the four provinces of the region.

Bellido said the training will impart understanding of the basic concept of an effective project monitoring and evaluation, appreciate and understand the strategies and techniques for monitoring and evaluating projects, develop basic monitoring and evaluation systems and plan.

This also aims to identify qualitative and quantitative indicators including output and process indicators to ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are carried out as planned and modified, translate evaluation results for program improvement and decision-making, and able to develop sustainability, Bellido added.

Christmas bazaar at Abreeza Mall Davao

(Sun.Star Davao)

AROUND 80 micro, small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) exhibitors are set to participate in the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) Christmas Bazaar 2015 slated on December 11 at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall Davao.

Organized by Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. (MTEFI), the bazaar is aimed at assisting MSMEs to showcase its products and services during the Christmas season.

Organizers have targetted some P8 to P10 million in sales.

“Last year we were able to generate almost P8 million in sales, this year we intend to match that if not increased,” Marian C. Mahinay, MTEFI executive director, said in a phone interview with Sun.Star Davao.

Now on its 4th year, the bazaar offers Christmas giveaways including handcrafted and exportable products from various key industry sectors ranging from arts and crafts, home décor and housewares, gifts and premium items, furniture, fashion, beauty and wellness, fresh and processed food good for holiday season at a very affordable prices.

Mahinay said that majority of the bazaar’s exhibitors also participated last August's MTE.

Some of the recurring bazaar exhibitors are Yvette's Bag of Davao Region, Nino Basilio Bags, Agusan del Norte Producers, among others.

Meanwhile, MTEFI recorded some P23 million in revenues during the weeklong MTE 2015.

MTE, the marketing arm of MSMEs has also been a vehicle for continued development through organizing series of capability enhancement workshops and hands-on trainings which is aimed at encouraging the participating exhibitors to further improve their products.

MTE 2015 is staged with support from the Department of Trade and Industry, local government unit of Davao City, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Abreeza Ayala Mall.

DTI-Davao strengthens Negosyo Centers

(PNA), RMA/LCM/JENNY GRACE M. MENDOZA/LDP

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office 11 is strengthening the skills of various business counselors and advisors assigned in Negosyo Centers for more relevant assistance to existing and would-be entrepreneurs in the region.

To achieve this, the agency recently conducted five-day training on Comprehensive Small Business Counselors Course with experts from the University of the Philippines Institute of Small Scale Industries (UPISSI) as the resource persons.

The week-long extensive training was attended by 31 participants who were involved in running the Negosyo Centers. Specifically, they were composed of DTI staff who handled or directly involved in assisting the micro, small and medium enterprises; staff manning the Negosyo Centers; and Investment and Promotion Officers of local government units (LGUs).

DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the main objective of the course was to enhance the competence and effectiveness of the Negosyo Centers staff, whether DTI Enterprise Counselors or those who were from the LGUs or academe, in providing managerial and technical assistance to their MSME clients.

She noted that it was deemed necessary as well in developing them, along with the other participants, into becoming well-rounded, confident and polished business counselors.

“This is one of the many strategies that DTI has been doing in order to fully equip our MSME counselors as they get engaged with MSMEs who are in different stages of their business,” Ambi pointed out, while adding that provision of proper and tailor-fit consultancy services was very critical for the growth of local entrepreneurs.

The Comprehensive Small Business Counselors Course was divided into three modules.

The first module included a three-day lecture on The Role and Responsibilities of MSME Counselor; Effective Business Counseling; Business Planning and Management; The Enterprise Assessment Plan; Business Diagnosis; and Diagnosing and Analyzing the Production, Marketing Functions of an Enterprise.

In the second module, an enterprise visit was done for the participants to do an actual business diagnosis.

As with the third module, the participants were asked to submit and present their Enterprise Assessment Reports which were then critiqued by the resource speakers and other participants.

Cacao center to rise in Davao

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

TO TAKE part in Davao Region's bid to become the country's cacao capital, Dizon Farms, one of the pioneering players in local fruit industry plans to put up a cacao center and chocolate factory in Davao City.

"For what I see, cacao has a very bright future as long as we just know what to do to boost the industry," Philip "Sonny" Dizon of the Dizon Group of Companies said in an interview.

Though plans are still to be finalized, Dizon is keen to kick start the cacao center and chocolate factory by next year.

The center will rise in a 15-hectare farm in Ma-a, Davao City with components of a cacao seedling nursery, a venue for lecture sessions, on the job (OJT) experience, among others.

"It will be a source of planting material and a learning center as well," Dizon said.

He said that that to teach and provide farmers with knowledge in good agricultural practices (Gap) will equip them with the necessary tools to transcend in the agriculture sector.

Dizon said that one of the major problems in the cacao industry is technical deficiency among the players.

"We should put in mind that before we pour much funding for it, we should know how to utilize the funds wisely so we can maximize it and boost the production. We need to be grounded on the technical aspect of the industry," he said.

But he was quick to add that cacao players are capable of combatting such kind of problem.

Meanwhile, the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc. (Cidami) in collaboration with the Universal Harvester Inc., International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), ACDI/Voca are set to conduct a $250,000 research and development program dubbed as "Cacao Plant Nutrition Research" in January next year.

The research is aimed at improving the cacao industry's production. One of its targets is to increase the average annual cacao tree production from 700 grams to over a kilogram with the intervention of fertilization and other technical assistance for the industry as the four-year research will be done.

In an earlier report, the country around 23,000 has of cacao producing area, 21,000 has of which are in Mindanao. A total of 10,000 to 12,000 metric tons (MT) is recorded as the country's annual production, 3,000 MT of which is allocated for exportation.

Davao City has a total of 16,000 farmers devoted to cacao covering a total of 6,000 has.

Food safety training for Davao City’s caterers set

By Karina V. Canedo

TO ENSURE food safety this yuletide season, around 60 representatives from different registered food caterers all over Davao City are set to participate in a food safety seminar to be conducted by sanitary inspectors from the City Health Office (CHO) next week.

Environment and Sanitation Division Head Robert Oconer said in a text message to Sun.Star Davao that they are still finalizing the date and venue.

Oconer from the previous interview said that this is the second year that they will conduct this kind of seminar.

He said that the seminar is intended to ensure correct food handling of the caterers especially this yuletide season where many offices and companies may tap them for Christmas parties.

Davao film to be shown in Paris film fest

(PIA/RG Alama)

DAVAO CITY- A short film about a physically impaired man living in Davao City’s San Pedro Street is now being screened in 13th Signes de Nuit International Film Fest in Paris, France.

The film helmed by Albert Egot Jr. joins seven other films from the Philippines which is currently being shown in the annual film festival that showcases several multi-genre cinematic works from across the world. The festival started last November 26 and will run to December 6.

“Ang Baril ni Polding na Walay Pulbura” (The Gun of Polding without Gunpowder) tells the story of John Michael Exel alias Polding, a paraplegic living in the streets of San Pedro and Claveria in downtown Davao City who despite being jobless and homeless still finds beauty in his everyday’s life.

The film was screened in the 10th Mindanao Film Festival last year which won the festival’s best documentary prize, it was also shown in the 2015 Cinemarehiyon Film Festival of the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) where foreign programmers took notice of the documentary.

“I was surprised because I thought my film would never be chosen after they initially contacted me. When they informed me that it would be programmed, I felt really proud because not all are given the opportunity to have their films shown abroad.” Albert Egot said.

Egot currently a real estate marketing officer, makes it a point to produce a film for the annual Mindanao Film Festival. His next film about a 26-year old obese man titled “The Little Me.” Will be shown in this year’s Mindanao Film Festival slated to run from December 9-15.

Davao's Pasko Fiesta opens Dec. 4

(KVC)

CHRISTMAS decorations in front of City Hall and Rizal Park are all set for today's Pasko Fiesta opening and lighting ceremony to be led by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Davao City General Services Office (GSO) supervising administrative officer James Zimmerman, in an interview with Sun.Star Davao Thursday, said that they prioritized installing Christmas decors to make it in time for today's opening of the annual fiesta.

He said that all other areas may not be fully decorated due to time constraints but Dabawenyos can still feast their eyes on colorful Chrstmas lights and other decorations they prepared and accomplished so far.

Zimmerman said they fast-tracked the installation of these decorations in key areas of the city.

He said that first official date of the lighting and opening was supposed to be on the second week of December but it was moved.

More Davao farmers become entrepreneurs

By Ace June Rell S. Perez

NEARLY three years after Typhoon Pablo hit some parts in Davao Region adversely affecting farmers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the region noted an increase in the number of farmers who have been into entrepreneurship and have become aware on how to value-add their produce.

The typhoon brought devastation in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley (Comval).

"We learned that from the year 2013 to 2015, those that are affected by Typhoon Pablo, especially the farmers are now developing a mindset of integrating entrepreneurship in their way of living," Maria Belenda Ambi, DTI regional director, told reporters in Wednesday's year-end media interface at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao.

She said this significantly increased the number of micro-small medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, which could be attributed to various agencies and organizations providing intensive campaign for livelihood projects in terms of trainings, seminars, provision of Shared Service Facilities (SFFs) and other entrepreneurial activities, all in the efforts of uplifting their economic situation.

"Farmers were now encouraged to become entrepreneurs, and not just focus on the production of its agricultural activities especially Davao Oriental and Comval is very dependent on coconut and banana production, they had realized and learned from their experiences with Pablo that it would be better to intercropped and value-add our products so we can maximize the value of the commodity,” she said.

“We are proud to say that before Pablo, we have a very minimal number MSMEs but after we bombarded them with the necessary interventions,” Ambi added.

At present, the region has 45,000 SMEs, some 10 percent are from Comval while 12 percent are from Davao Oriental. Biggest bulk of about 50 percent is from Davao City while the remaining 28 percent is from Davao Del Sur and Davao Del Norte.

Jose Calub, officer in charge (OIC) provincial director of DTI Davao Oriental, said that the province already recovered from the incident. As coconut still being their top driver of local economy, farmers are now replanting coconut but he emphasized that this time they now intercropping with cacao, and coffee, among other viable crops.

He also mentioned that study is now on ground on developing oil palm. Farmers are also increasing its participation in Chili production. At present some 2,000 hills are already planted in Davao Oriental. Calub also disclosed that some two hectares (has) is now being developed for pure native chili production.

Lucky Siegfred Balleque, OIC provincial director of DTI Comval said that for banana players in the province, 90 percent already recovered while the remaining 10 percent who are still recovering are the banana small players.

Ambi cited the wives of farmers in Davao Oriental and Comval as concrete examples of farmers with better awareness on entrepreneurship as they are now into value-adding their banana products into chips and now being sold at the province’s pasalubong centers.

She also pointed out that with the increase of SMEs in the region it significantly generated more jobs.

According to DTI data, a total of 7,873 MSMEs are assisted in the region, much higher than its target set at 7,500 MSMEs generating 35,547 jobs.

Davao City gears up for 'Araw'

(KVC)

TO ENSURE the success of next year's celebration and enable the City Government of Davao to effectively carry out and implement activities for the 79th Araw ng Davao, an order creating an executive committee for the celebration has been issued by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte last November 23.

Based on the order, next year's Araw celebration will commence on March 11, 2016.

The execom will be composed of Duterte as chair; Arturo Milan of Davao Light Power Company as co-chair and head of finance, ways and means; Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte as vice chair, and Davao City accountant Rizalina Justolas.

Festival directorates are Assistant City Administrator for Operations lawyer Jhopee A. Agustin, Davao City Council committee on tourism chair Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, and Duterte's executive assistant Christopher Lawrence Go.

Different committee heads for secretariat, publicity promotions and documentation, airport reception, safety and security, traffic management, physical arrangement, cleanliness and sanitation, and spokesperson will also be part of the execom.

The official events slated are the opening ceremony to be headed by Alejandre, James Zimmerman, Reynan Librado and Edmund Superada.

Thanksgiving Mass to be headed by Maria Felisa Marques & Jose Ong, Mutya ng Dabaw, to be headed by Alejandre, Davao Unplugged, to be headed by James Zimmerman, Banda Hudyaka to be headed by Edmund Superada.

Parada Dabawenyo, to be headed by Davao City Hall Employees Association (Dachea), City Hall Employee’s Day, to be headed by Alejandre and Zimmerman, Araw ng Davao Sportsfest to be headed by the City Sports Office and Dachea, and Datu Bago Awards which will be headed by Marques and Marina Ruivivar.

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